"When
you are 30 you also don't want to maybe realize that your time is over
yet and you want to continue to play and enjoy this game, because you
know that one day it will be over," said LA-based Haas. "You might as
well just enjoy it while you can."

Haas
earned his wins at this Roland Garros edition the hard way, coming
through qualifying rounds to claim a main draw place. The former No. 2
achieved his best Paris result a decade ago as he reached the fourth
round.

The
German believes that longevity trends have been developing over some
years in the ATP game. "A lot has to do with maybe we're also taking
care of our bodies much more and realizing you have to be in great
shape. When you're in great shape you can go maybe a little bit longer.

"Maybe
times have changed. Even back when I started playing everybody retired
at age 30, 31. Michael Stich, Becker, Edberg, all these guys that I
sort of looked up to playing, they left the game during that time.

"One of
my other idols, Agassi showed us that it's possible to play unbelievable
tennis at age 34, 35, 36 if you keep yourself in great shape."